NASA-Funded Research Explores Metabolic Manipulation for Astronaut Health on Long Missions

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh, funded by NASA, are pioneering innovative solutions to enhance astronaut health during long-duration space missions. Led by physiologist Kate Flickinger, the team is investigating how inducing lower metabolic rates, inspired by hibernating animals, could mitigate risks like muscle atrophy and bone density loss. Their groundbreaking research aims to ensure astronauts remain healthy on missions to Mars and beyond, while also offering insights for medical practices on Earth.